Also, for good-quality bedding, look for a thread count between 180-300. Anything higher than a 300-thread count means the sheets and duvet covers will start to feel heavier. This will result in suffocating the airflow around your body while you sleep.
In our tests, top-rated bed sheets often have thread counts between 300 and 500. Anything above 500 isn't necessarily better (so don't be deceived when you see thread counts over 1,500), and on the flip side, you can still find quality sheets with thread counts under 300.
There isn't really a best thread count for sheets. Depending on budget, aim for a thread count between 400 and 1,000. The highest thread count you should look for is 1,000. Anything above that number is unnecessary and often lower quality.
The idea is the finer threads you can weave together, the softer and finer the fabric. But that's not always the case. According to Consumer Reports, a thread count of 200 is fine; 400 may be softer. But anything above 400 will likely only provide a higher price tag [source: Consumer Reports].
“Sheets that are 300-count, made of single-ply threads, are better than 600 thread count that's multi-ply.” So if you want comfortable, high-quality sheets and pillowcases, look for ones with a weave of 100% Egyptian cotton or Supima cotton, with a thread count around 400.
According to the many experts we've interviewed, really good sheets—the ones that feel soft and wear well after years of use and washing—generally have thread counts ranging from 200 to 600, depending on whether they're percale or sateen. But honestly, thread count isn't the most important thing to consider.
Go for a 300 to 600 cotton satin. If you want lighter sheets, Joanna says, a 400 thread count sheet can be soft and light, while an 800 percale would be soft and dense. The higher the thread count, the more likely multiple-ply thread is used or picks are added, making the fabric denser and heavier.
400 or less for stuff you will iron. If you do invest I would recommend a good steam generator iron to go with them. You don't really need to iron high thread count bed linen IMO. High TC linen probably looks better just out the dryer than low TC, but still not great.
Comfortable, durable, luxury sheets – the ones that you reach for again and again that become even softer and more wonderful after years of use and washing – usually have thread counts from 200 to 600, depending on the material and finishing used for the product.
High thread count does not mean high quality sheets.
It's not that thread count is an irrelevant detail, but it doesn't mean that the higher number of threads, the better the quality. In short, more threads are used to make the sheet, which affects the texture of the fabric, but has nothing to do with quality.
Don't choose high thread counts.
However, thread count greatly affects heat and higher thread counts create hotter sheets. In fact, 1000TC sheets are the hottest cotton sheets you can buy. Conversely, lower thread counts (250TC-350TC 10cm2) create cooler sheets but must be made from good cotton so they last.
Thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch. Generally, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet, and the more likely it will wear well — or even soften — over time. Good sheets range anywhere from 200 to 800, although you'll occasionally see numbers over 1,000.
Looking for sheets with a reasonable thread count (200-600 for most styles) will typically produce the best results. Be sure to modify your expectations somewhat depending on the material used. Excessively high thread counts (600-800) likely won't change much beyond the price tag.
Sheets with a thread count between 600-800 are considered very high quality. A 1500 thread count is through the roof. If you're suspicious about a set of 1500 thread-count sheets for $22 dollars, you're right to be.
If you want your sheets as soft to the touch as possible and if you like to stay cool thanks to the high-breathability fabric, a lower thread count is probably the best. If you are looking for super warm sheets that are thick and durable, you need to go with the highest thread count sheets possible.
Thread counts of 800–1000 or more likely use multi-ply threads which are more expensive and less durable with limited benefits. So in terms of thread count alone, anything around 200–400 will be good quality and comfortable, broadly speaking.
The best sheets typically have a thread count between 200 and 400. Any thread count lower than 180 tends to have a rougher texture. Any number over 400 is most likely an inflated figure due to multi-ply thread, meaning you'll pay a premium price for a sheet that doesn't actually feel any softer.
Egyptian cotton can come in a range of thread counts, typically from 200 to 800. We picked 600 thread count for our scooms satin-weave bed linen.
It's partly thanks to the extra-long fibres that Egyptian cotton plants produce, making yarns tougher yet oh so soft. So while sheets made from Egyptian cotton are slightly more expensive, they will fare much better over time making them a worthwhile investment not only for your wallet, but the planet too.
Get to Know Egyptian Cotton
Moreover, higher-thread count sheets generally suffer less wrinkling than those with lower counts. If you want to keep your bedding sleek and smooth, aim for a thread count in the 400 to 700 range.
Linen bedding is very easy to maintain. There is no need to iron these duvet covers after washing, because linen looks best unironed, highlighting its natural look.
The highest thread count for sheets is usually 1,000. Anything above that number is often lower quality.
The higher the thread count, the finer and more luxurious the fabric will feel. Cotton percale sheets found in hotels usually have a thread count between 250 and 600, while cotton sateen sheets will usually have a thread count between 300 and 600.
Textile expert Julian Tomchin told the New York Times “Once you get beyond 400 threads per square inch, be suspicious”. The reason is that there is a limit to how many threads can fit in a square inch, and that number is usually 400 or less. Fifty years ago, a sheet with thread count of 180 was considered luxury.
Single-ply construction found in 200-400 thread count sheets feels softer and will last longer than multi-ply cotton bedding with a higher thread count number. Therefore, 'the best thread count for bed sheets is 200-400, because sheets within this range are soft and durable, ', says Yusuf Ozkanli.